Building from the back

He might not have come anywhere near to winning the Vital Pompey vote for player of the month in October recently but I would like to put a shout out for Rocha John Rocha.

Off topic a little, but still about RJR, I saw yesterday that he wants to become an agent when he finally retires and the fact that he did not instantly re-sign with Pompey when he originally left at the end of his last contract was down to his agent – once he had gone he negotiated a deal himself and had this signed, sealed and delivered within 48-hours…

Anyway, where was I?

Right, I know… Back along, at the end of the August vote, I said that I would be very interested to see how he and Jason Pearce would get on as central defensive pairing.

Although I feared we would not see this.

Fortunately I was wrong and Steve Cotterill’s departure coincided with him returning to the team to partner Pearce in the heart of our defence and I think, Derby aside recently, it is fair to say that they have formed a really good partnership – one that I really like as it is two no nonsense defenders who go by the old adage ‘if in doubt put it out.’

Either usually finds Row Z if they are left in any doubt as to what to do!

The pair can also play some decent football, as they both have ability on the ball, RJR slightly more so with some of his trademark breaks from defence seen now and again since his return.

Obviously scoring goals wins you games but arguably the key to any successful side is a solid defensive unit to build around and with these two we have that.

Add a confidence instilling goalkeeper, who has a good command of his area, in Stephen Henderson and it all helps.

Also, speaking of building, if Michael Appleton can play his part in helping to build PFC up the way he hopes that he, and those involved in the running of the club, can then our future – albeit it in the long-term build, which takes time – is ‘potentially’ a very bright one…